County seeks funding for two small Marina parks

The county hopes to get state grants for each of two planned small parks in Marina del Rey.

The County Board of Supervisors is being asked to approve the grant applications next week.

A $289,760 grant would go toward funding development of Fiji Gateway Park at Lincoln Boulevard and Fiji Way and a $288,056 grant would go toward funding for Bali Gateway Park at Lincoln Boulevard and Bali Way.

FIJI WAY PARK — The Fiji Gateway Park would be built on the site of a former Unocal gasoline station. Marina officials estimate their Fiji Way Park plan would cost $289,760.

The 0.47-acre parcel has been undergoing lengthy soil preparation to eliminate the residue of soil pollution caused by the gasoline station operation.

Marina officials plan to use native plants on the site.

Under the funding proposal, the county would seek a grant from the State Resources Agency, State Department of Parks and Recreation, through the Land Water and Conservation Fund Program.

The grant would have to be matched with county funds that could include local, state or private funds, as well as in-kind services.

BALI GATEWAY PARK — The proposed park on the southwest corner of Bali Way and Lincoln Boulevard would be built on a 0.52-acre parcel and include picnicking and open sitting areas, picnic tables, benches, landscaping, irrigation and security lighting.

What Marina officials call “a signature water feature” is also planned.

The County Department of Beaches and Harbors expects to be notified in October whether its requests for the grants have been approved.